By Staff
BUSINESS EXPANSION Joel Ortiz, owner of La Familia Restaurants, poses with a menu at the entrance of his new location on North Hills Street near FoodMax. PHOTO BY PAULA MERRITT / THE MERIDIAN STAR
By Georgia E. Frye / staff writer
June 27, 2004
La Familia Restaurant owners Joel and Franciene Ortiz opened a new location on North Hills Street last week to accommodate customers who live on the north side of town.
The couple has operated a location on Front Street Extension for about three years, and said it was time to expand the business.
La Familia's new restaurant on North Hills Street near FoodMax. Ortiz said he's not planning a grand opening because most of their customers already know the restaurant is open.
Franciene said she and her husband will spend most of their time at the new location. Her mother, part-owner Sandra Winham, will run the Front Street Extension location.
Joel, or "Shorty," is originally from Oaxaco, Mexico. He came to Meridian about 12 years ago to work in the restaurant business.
The couple said the business keeps them busy, and sometimes they and their three children feel like they live in the restaurant.
Franciene said the restaurant has had a lot of success in Meridian, and she feels business will pick up now that gas prices have dropped.